OTOC Convenes Broad Alliance of Nebraska Organizations in Support of Positive Immigration Laws

Diverse rural, urban, agriculture, health care, hospitality, education, construction, business, labor, faith, immigrant & community groups urge action

[Excerpts from Press Release]

“This effort was built upon hundreds of conversations, as well as longstanding relationships across our state and across many different sectors,” said Denise Bowyer, a leader with Omaha Together One Community, a 30-year old organization made up of community and faith institutions. “It has been truly inspiring to see the strong alignment on forward-looking solutions from so many perspectives. There are striking common themes in our communities that illustrate the need for workable solutions that uphold our values and move us forward together.”

“Immigrant Nebraskans have long been part of the fabric of local families, communities, and workplaces. Together we build the good life, but unfortunately our federal immigration laws are decades out of date, which creates instability for families, children, communities, employers – for all of us,” said Bryan Slone, President of the Nebraska Chamber of Commerce & Industry. 

“Now as baby boomers are retiring, we’re seeing workforce strain across sectors and unfilled jobs that impact each and every Nebraska industry, and each and every one of us for the services and infrastructure we need to count on. Trends indicate we’re only at the beginning of this challenge and urgently need positive solutions for Nebraska’s future.”

“The economic, social, and cultural contributions of immigrant community members are vital to Nebraska’s future”, said Lina Traslaviña Stover, Executive Director of Heartland Workers Center, and OTOC Leader. “Immigrants play a key role in supporting Nebraska’s agriculture, manufacturing, and service industries – which are essential to the state’s economy – as well as so many other health care, education, and community roles. Immigrant Nebraskans enrich local communities. Developing systems that provide attainable legal pathways for migration is crucial for ensuring Nebraska’s community and economic well-being.”

[Image Credit: Omaha World-Herald]

More Than 60 NE Entities Show United Front to Update Laws, State Policies That Help Immigrants, Nebraska Examiner  [pdf]

Broad Nebraska Coalition Calls for Immigration Changes to Support Neighbors, State Growth, Omaha World-Herald [pdf]

Release: Nebraska Statewide Organizations Announce Broad Support for Positive Immigration Laws, OTOC 

Migrant Family's Connection to Shelter, Jobs Spotlights Work of 'Omaha Welcomes the Stranger', Nebraska Examiner [pdf]

Nebraska Legal-Immigration Alliance Wins North Platte Favor, North Platte Telegraph [pdf]

Editorial: State Chamber, OTOC Urge Worldwide Net to Lure Workers, North Platte Telegraph [pdf]

Growing Coalition Points Abroad in Relieving Nebraska's Workforce Woes, Star Herald [pdf]

New Coalition is Looking at Immigration Reform as a Solution for Labor Shortage, NTV-ABC [pdf]

Nascent Nebraska Coalition Looks to Immigration-Related Solutions to Help Remedy Labor Shortage, Nebraska Examiner [pdf]